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Quantification of L-type fatty acid binding protein in the urine of preterm neonates
Hirokazu Tsukahara1, Takeshi Sugaya, Kazuyo Hayakawa
1Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Fukui, Yoshida-gun, Fukui 910-1193, Japan. htsuka@fmsrsa.fukui-med.ac.jp
Insights
Urinary L-type fatty acid binding protein (L-FABP) is elevated in preterm infants compared to adults. Elevated L-FABP may indicate kidney injury and oxidative stress in neonates.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Neonatology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Urinary L-type fatty acid binding protein (L-FABP) is a biomarker for kidney injury.
- Neonatal kidney function and injury markers are not fully understood.
- Preterm neonates may be at higher risk for renal complications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To measure urinary L-FABP levels in preterm neonates.
- To compare neonatal L-FABP levels with adult levels.
- To explore correlations between L-FABP and markers of kidney damage and oxidative stress.
Main Methods:
- Urinary L-FABP and creatinine were measured in preterm neonates on days 1, 5-10, and 25-30.
- Urinary N-acetyl-beta-D-glucosaminidase and 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine were also assessed.
- Statistical analysis was performed to compare groups and identify correlations.
Main Results:
- Urinary L-FABP levels were significantly higher in preterm neonates than in healthy adults.
- L-FABP levels remained stable throughout the study period.
- Positive correlations were found between L-FABP and N-acetyl-beta-D-glucosaminidase (day 1), and 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (days 25-30).
Conclusions:
- L-FABP is expressed in the neonatal kidney.
- Urinary L-FABP may serve as a potential indicator of proximal tubular damage in preterm infants.
- Oxidative stress might influence L-FABP excretion in neonates.
Abstract:
We measured urinary excretion of L-type fatty acid binding protein (L-FABP) in preterm neonates on days 1, 5-10, and 25-30 of life. Urinary L-FABP levels (expressed as the ratio to creatinine) in preterm neonates were considerably higher than those of healthy adults. They did not change significantly during the study period. Urinary L-FABP levels showed significant positive correlation with those of urinary N-acetyl-beta-D-glucosaminidase activity on day 1, and with those of 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine on days 25-30. These results suggest that L-FABP is expressed in the neonatal kidney. Our results may also point to potential effects of proximal tubular damage and oxidative stress on urinary excretion of L-FABP.
